A roof is one of the most significant elements of a house as far as its inhabitants are concerned for its protection against rain, wind, snow, and other environmental hazards.
And by the time you notice this, the roof would already be damaged, making us go for costly repairs or even a complete roof replacement.
However, regular inspection of the roof by the best roofing companies Georgia and looking out for early signs of damage can help you avoid such scenarios.
And this blog will help you understand the top signs why your roof needs inspection and why you should immediately get this done.
AGE
The age of our roof plays a significant role in determining whether our roof needs an inspection. The average lifespan of most roofs is 15-25 years, based on the material and quality of installation. If your roof is nearing its lifespan, you should get it inspected for any problems before it causes further damage.
MISSING OR DAMAGED SHINGLES
A missing or damaged shingle is another clear sign indicating that your roof needs an inspection. Shingles protect the underlying structure of our roof from water damage or any other hazard. And any missing shingle can compromise the entire system. So shingles help us defend our tops from water damage, wind, and other environmental factors.
WATER DAMAGE OR LEAKS
Water damage or leaks is another problem affecting our roof. Some of us might remember seeing water stains on our ceilings, walls, attics, etc. This is another warning that water is getting in through the roof, and our roof needs inspection. In addition, water damage can lead to problems like mold growth and rotting wood, which can be costly to repair.
SAGGING OR UNEVEN ROOF
A sagging or uneven roof denotes structural damage that requires immediate attention. Various factors are causing such damage, like the excess weight of the snow, poor installation, or a weakened structure. If you see an uneven or sagging roof, get it inspected by a professional at the earliest to understand the cause and extent of the damage.
CLOGGED GUTTERS
Clogged gutters can make water back onto the roof causing water damage and other problems. This is because it can damage the siding, foundation, and landscaping. Therefore, if you see overflowing or clogged drains, get them cleaned at the earliest.
CRACKED OR PEELING PAINT
Cracked or peeling paint on our roof’s eaves or fascia is another indicator that your roof needs immediate inspection. These areas are vulnerable to water damage, mostly exposed to rain and other elements. So, the next time you notice cracked or peeled paint on your roof, inspect it before it’s too late.
ENERGY BILLS
Have you ever kept wondering about the reason for the increase in your energy bills? Poor insulation or ventilation leads to heat loss at home during winter and cool air during summer. Thus, if you suspect that your roof is damaged, it is high time you get it inspected by a professional. And this is a significant factor behind the increase in your energy bills.
WATER DAMAGE OR STAINS
Water damage or stains in your walls or ceilings are another warning sign of a roof leak that needs repair. This can occur due to multiple causes like damaged shingles, flashing, or a poorly installed or damaged chimney. Water damage can also indicate that your roof no longer offers protection from unwanted elements, as expected. Thus, ensure you get your roof inspected as and when you find such signs.
ALGAE OR MOSS GROWTH
The sight of algae or moss growing on our roof can be unsightly to us. And this can lead to various issues, ignoring which can lead to further damage.
DAMAGED FLASHING
Flashing refers to the material that seals the joints and seams in our roof to prevent water from seeping through. Usually made with metal, flashing can rust or become loose with time. A damaged or missing flashing can lead to water leaks, damaging our properties’ interiors. Thus, it is vital to inspect your roof and repair or replace the damaged or missing flashing at the earliest.
DEBRIS ON YOUR ROOF
Have you ever noticed excessive roof debris on your roof, like leaves, twigs, moss, etc.? We should view the presence of such substances as an indicator to inspect our roof. Debris can pile up in the areas of our roof, causing the water to pool and leading to potential leaks and damage. In addition, debris with moisture content can weaken the roof structure and lead to possible collapses.
GRANULES IN GUTTERS
Have you ever noticed granules in your gutter? This is a sign that your shingles are beginning to wear down. Granules are small, sand-like particles protecting your shingles from the sun’s UV rays. As shingles age, they lose these granules, making them prone to further damage and leaks. Thus, the next time you notice granules in your gutters, inspect your roof to see if it’s time to replace it.
ROOF INSPECTION TECHNIQUES USED BY ALPHARETTA ROOFERS
Now that you have learnt about the reasons for a roof inspection, you must also understand the techniques of roof inspection.
VISUAL INSPECTION
This is the favoured method of roof inspection, and as the name implies, here, we visually inspect the roof for any warning signs. In addition, we conduct a thorough check for holes, cracks, missing shingles, and water stains here. We also inspect the roof flashing, gutters, and downspouts to ensure the proper installation and functioning of the roof. The visual inspection technique looks simple and economical, but it may only help us detect some potential issues.
DRONE INSPECTION
Under this method, we use a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), named drone, to fly over the roof and capture high-quality images and videos of roofs. This method is beneficial for large roofs that are difficult to access. The pictures and videos captured help us get a detailed view of the roof and detect the potential damages and threats that may not be visible during visual inspection. It also allows us to capture high-quality images and videos from multiple angles fastly and safely.
INFRARED INSPECTION
As the name indicates, infrared inspection uses an infrared camera to detect heat signs. This helps us identify the temperature differences between wet and dry areas of our roof. Wet areas facilitate more heat retention than dry areas, enabling the infrared camera to identify areas with potential problems. Infrared inspections help identify leaks and areas of damage that we cannot detect via visual inspections. However, the equipment and specialized training cost make this technique comparatively more expensive than the other methods.
MOISTURE TESTING
This method involves using specialized equipment to measure the moisture content of the roof. This helps us determine if there are any areas of leaks or water damage. We recommend this method for identifying hidden leaks or areas of water damage which may not be visible during visual inspection. We conduct moisture testing and other optical or infrared inspection techniques. But, the equipment used for moisture testing can be expensive, and the results may only be accurate sometimes.
CORE SAMPLING
This involves taking core samples to determine the composition of roofing materials to identify any potential issues. This technique is beneficial for identifying the type and condition of roofing materials and the possible areas of weakness or damage. However, core sampling can be invasive and may require repairing the roof once we take the samples. Moreover, core sampling can be expensive and time-consuming, particularly for larger roofs.
Check out this Wikipedia article.
HOW OFTEN TO CONDUCT ROOF INSPECTIONS FOR WOODSTOCK ROOF REPAIR
The frequency of conducting roof inspections is highly dependent on multiple factors. These include the age and condition of the roof, the roofing material used, the climate of the area, and any past repairs or damages that occurred. Make sure to conduct an inspection once a year. This will help you identify if your roof is in good condition and if there are some issues we need to address immediately.
You should also consider periodic inspections if you notice any signs of damage we discussed above. This can help you prevent further damage and costly repairs.
COST OF ROOF INSPECTIONS
The cost of roof inspection can vary depending on multiple factors. However, according to the average rates, it can fall between $ 100- $ 500. In addition, apart from the cost of basic inspection, you may have to pay additional charges depending on the tests or evaluations conducted.
Thus, regular roof inspections play a significant role in properly maintaining our home and preventing costly repairs. Therefore, always watch out for the above signs, and get it inspected by a professional to save the expenses of massive repairs and maintenance you could have otherwise avoided.
Takeaway
In conclusion, this blog has provided valuable insights into recognizing the top signs indicating your roof requires inspection. It’s crucial to keep in mind that these signs might be an indication of underlying damage that could already be present. That’s why it becomes essential to promptly seek the services of a professional roofing contractor Dunwoody or someone skilled in Woodstock roof repair. Likewise, if you are in the Marietta area, considering a reliable commercial roofing company Marietta for inspection and repairs is essential.
Furthermore, don’t underestimate the significance of addressing skylight repair Benton County or seeking assistance from experienced Alpharetta roofers. By engaging the services of the best roofing company Atlanta or exploring options among the best roofing companies Georgia, you can ensure the longevity and durability of your roof.